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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

Oh, I LOVE this book! It is from the 50's, and SO well written! Instead of dumbing children down, it uses words that are more sophisticated. The story is hilarious! It uses pen and ink type drawings, which brought back so many pleasant memories! As a child, I didn't remember the story too well, but the pictures stayed in my mind, particularly the one of Crictor in what looks like a 10-foot long bed and wearing a 10-foot long armless sweater!!This elderly lady receives a gift of a snake from her son in Africa. She is a teacher and brings Crictor to school, where he becomes a jump rope and slide for the kids. He also forms letters and numbers. He captures a burglar and the locals name a park after him!One of my favorite books of all time!

This was one of my favorite books growing up--I must have checked it out of the school library a dozen times. It's the adorable story of an old French woman who relies on a friendly boa to see her around Paris. Not only does it teach children not to judge other people -- or reptiles -- but the charming illustrations offer fun glimpses into the city of Paris. If you loved Madeline, you'll love this book. Buy one copy for your kids and one for yourself!

Do you ever like a book 'just because'? I can't make a comment on the witty prose or beautiful artwork to back up my heartfelt, "I like it" but I will try. It is an endearing tale about a snake. The storyline is nonsensical and fun--totally entertaining. The pen and ink drawings with lots of green coloring like the beloved title character are a perfect compliment to the story.

If you want to go educational get out the maps and locate the 2 places that are mentioned in the story -- France & Africa. A sense of right & wrong alongside good character always strikes a chord with parents so Crictor is right on there. Whether an adult is reading aloud or an elementary student is reading independently, this book is sure to please.

19 years after I first read Crictor, I still remember nearly every word. It was quite possibly one of my favorite books as a child because it is sweet, funny, and heartfelt. Crictor is a boa constrictor that Mdm. Bodot's son has sent home from Africa. He bonds with Mdm. Bodot after an initial fright and quickly endears himself to everyone. Soon, he is given an opportunity to foil a burglar who threatens Mdm. Bodot and is revered as a hero. I read this book over and over again until it was in tatters. What child doesn't love a friendly protecting character like Crictor? Pair it with Lyle, Lyle Crocodile for a double-dose of green reptilian fun.

Loved it as a child myself and now love reading it to my own. Wonderful illustrations and delightful story by Tomi Ungerer ( just one of his many classic children's books) make this a great addition to any child's library.

Crictor is another old story about a wild animal who finds his place in a human home. This boa constrictor arrives in Madame Bodot's home in a doughnut-shaped box, shipped from Africa by her thoughtful herpetologist son. After her initial surprise, she accepts him as if he were any other kind of pet and he quickly finds his place in her neighborhood and community -- playing with the children and (like Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (Lyle the Crocodile) and The Story of Babar) helping with their educational instruction. The story culminates when Madame Bodot's home is invaded by a burglar, who is subdued by Crictor until the police arrive (drawn by the burglar's terrified screams). He gains the admiration of the entire village, and lives a long and happy life.

The book, printed before the high-tech revolution in children's book publication, initially seems humbly illustrated with only two colors, but the limitations of the technology do not greatly hinder Ungerer's excellent writing, wry humor and sinuous lines. Madame Bodot and Crictor are each admirable in their own way -- she in her generous service to the community, he in his loyal courage in defending her. This old story retains its charm, and is well worth reading.

More About the Author

Tomi Ungerer was born is Strasbourg in 1931, moved to the US in 1956 and now lives in Ireland. His first children's book "The Mellops go Flying" was published by Harper in 1957. This was to be the first in a series of very successful and unusual children's titles.

For a full biography see his official site - TomiUngerer.com

Tomi is a prolific artist, author and illustrator and has been awarded a wide range of prizes, accolades and honours in recognition of his work including: